NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory ( JPL ) has initiated tests on small underwater robots called SWIM (Sensing With Independent Microswimmers), designed to autonomously explore potential extraterrestrial oceans on icy moons. The initial trials were conducted at the California Institute of Technology, where the robots successfully navigated a swimming pool in a structured back-and-forth pattern and spelt out “J-P-L.” These robots, according to what JPL's principal investigator Ethan Schaler said in an interview, are intended for exploration missions to detect signs of life on celestial bodies believed to harbour subsurface oceans, such as Jupiter's moon Europa. Robotic Swarms for Autonomous Exploration Schaler emphasised that water is a critical component for life as we know it, and thus, ocean worlds offer promising locations for the search for extraterrestrial life, as per a Space.com report . Constructed from cost-effective 3D-printed materials and powered by standard electronics, the SWIM prototypes exhibit impressive manoeuvrability. Measuring approximately 42 centimetres, the robotic swimmers are expected to be scaled down to about 12 centimetres, roughly the size of a cellphone. They are equipped to operate autonomously, hundreds of millions of miles from Earth , gathering essential data through their inbuilt sensors. These capabilities, according to Schaler's comments on Space.com, demonstrate the feasibility of developing such robots to withstand the extreme environments they may encounter on subsurface ocean missions. Advanced Sensors for Detecting Life Indicators The SWIM robots are being enhanced with a multi-sensor chip developed by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This chip can measure parameters such as temperature, pressure, pH, and chemical composition, which are crucial in assessing conditions that could support microbial life. By incorporating wireless communication systems, the SWIM robots would eventually be able to transmit data and determine their position while navigating foreign waters. According to the report, testing of the robots in computer simulations that replicate Europa's gravity and pressure is ongoing, with further design improvements expected as researchers refine the SWIM prototypes for potential interplanetary deployment.GENEVA (AP) — World Cup sponsor Bank of America teamed with FIFA for a second time Tuesday, signing for the Club World Cup that still has no broadcast deals just over six months before games start. Bank of America became FIFA’s first global banking partner in August and sealed a separate deal for a second event also being played in the United States, two days before the group-stage draw in Miami for the revamped 32-team club event . It features recent European champions Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea. “FIFA is going to take America by storm and we’re going to be right at their side,” the bank’s head of marketing, David Tyrie, said in a telephone interview Tuesday. Bank of America joins 2026 World Cup sponsors Hisense and Budweiser brewer AB InBev in separately also backing the club event, and more deals are expected after Saudi Arabia is confirmed next week as the 2034 World Cup host. While games at the next World Cup, co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, will be watched by hundreds of millions globally mostly on free-to-air public networks, the Club World Cup broadcast picture is unclear. FIFA has promised hundreds of millions of dollars in prize money for the 32 clubs to share but is yet to announce any broadcast deals for the month-long tournament. It is expected to land on a streaming service. “You have to think about how you are going to connect with these fans,” Tyrie told the Associated Press from Boston. “TV is one, sure, social media is a big avenue. “The smart marketing capabilities are able to say ‘Hey, we need to tilt this one a little bit more away from TV-type marketing into social-type marketing.’ We have got a pretty decent strategy that we’re putting in place to do activation.” Engaging Bank of America’s customers and 250,000 employees are key to that strategy, Tyrie said. “It’s going to be for our clients, and entertainment, it’s going to be for our employees in creating excitement. All of the above.” The Club World Cup will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 cities, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C, and Lumen Field where the hometown Seattle Sounders play three group-stage games. European powers Madrid, Man City and Bayern Munich lead a 12-strong European challenge. Teams qualified by winning continental titles or posting consistently good results across four years of those competitions. The exception is Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, who FIFA gave the entry reserved for a host nation team in October based on regular season record without waiting for the MLS Cup final. LA Galaxy hosts New York Red Bulls playing for that national title Saturday. Messi’s team opens the FIFA tournament June 15 in the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and will play its three group games in Florida. “The more brand players you bring in, the bigger the following you have got,” Tyrie acknowledged, though adding Messi being involved was “not a make or break for the event.” The Club World Cup final is July 13 at Met Life Stadium near New York, which also will host the World Cup final one year later. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — David Early scored 10 points as Radford beat Chicago State 63-48 on Monday. Early shot 3 of 6 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Highlanders (5-2). Isaiah Gaines, Truth Harris and Jarvin Moss all added nine points. Jalen Forrest finished with 12 points and six rebounds for the Cougars (0-7). Story continues below video The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Gophers senior linebacker Cody Lindenberg has declined to use his final season of eligibility in 2025 and instead declared for the NFL draft on Friday. ADVERTISEMENT Lindenberg was healthy and highly productive in 2024, leading Minnesota with 94 total tackles as well as one sack and one interception in all 12 games. The Anoka native overcame injuries in both 2023 and ’21 to be an all-Big Ten selection this fall. “Every single day for the past five seasons has been a dream come true playing for and in front of you all in the maroon and gold!” Lindenberg wrote on social media. “Representing this university, this program and this state means more to me than anyone will ever know.” With Lindenberg leaving, the need to add a linebacker via the NCAA transfer portal grows more important. They have yet to add a linebacker among the 11 new additions for next season. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .
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